The Election is Over, Now What?

Written by Ellen Clark | The Bellingham Herald | November 7, 2012

Now let’s have some fun. Let’s do some paper mache! To make the paste, mix together 1 part flour to 2 parts water. You will want it to be the consistency of thick glue, but you also want it to be runny and not thick like paste. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to remove any lumps.
A few helpful tips I have read in regards to using this paste are: Since we live in an area with high humidity, add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold. If you don’t like the smell of the glue mix you can add a few sprinkles of cinnamon or mint to sweeten it up. You can store this glue in a covered bowl or jar, in the refrigerator, for a few days.
Blow up a small balloon to use as a head form. Now take that ultra heavy Voter’s Guide and rip it to shreds, campaign fliers work too for extended levels and facial features. Start sticking your ripped pieces of newsprint together around your balloon to model it into your favorite newly elected official. When your head has at least three layers and enough structure for a nice face, let it dry.
When it has dried for a couple of days you can paint it with acrylic paints. The balloon inside will eventually collapse but it has served its purpose by now. Wait another day, when paint to dry, use a water base sealer to finish your sculpture. Yes it has been a long campaign; now that we have results we can praise our team and move on.
Here is a rather humorous look but helpful at the details of a paper mache head.
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-make-a-Papier-Mache-Head-for-the-Carpool-Lane-215066213